How Computer Recycling Can Help You Reduce Waste
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Here at Zero Waste Towers, we run two businesses. As well as doing our bit to promote the reduction of waste and increase sustainability, we also run a web design business. While this gives us a lot of freedom and flexibility, it does mean we are highly reliant on technology.
I know that many of you have an office in your household, and of course over the past two years, lots of people have had to work from home. For some that’s meant finally getting round to converting the shed. For others, it’s meant being perched on the side of the bed or kitchen counter!
Technology is at the core of most businesses and even most households. Technology undoubtedly helps us streamline processes and increase efficiency and productivity. However, when a computer comes to the end of its life, disposing of the technology can be tricky. E-waste is not only a problem of company and personal security, it’s also an environmental hazard.
If your laptop is on its last legs, your desktop is dying or your tablet is taking its last breath, here’s why you should think twice before you discard these valuable machines.
Ethical commitment
Hiring a company, like Ayrshire-based specialists CCL (North) Ltd., to dispose of your e-waste safely and responsibly, and carry out computer recycling, demonstrates your ethical approach to sustainable business and your commitment to improving sustainability credentials.
Managing dangerous components
Our reliance on technology creates waste that needs proper and appropriate disposal. Our constant desire for the latest specifications is creating mountains of waste.
There are many materials within technology that do not decompose in the landfill. Equally, a range of chemicals created by discarded technology – such as mercury, cadmium, and chromium – can contaminate local ecosystems. AND precious metals are running out, which is why we need to preserve them.
Hiring computer recycling specialists means these electrical components will be sorted appropriately. Those parts of the technology that can be dangerous to the environment can be managed responsibly by people who are trained to deal with them. Plus we can all do our bit to make the most of rare metals and other components.
Convenience
While you can remove data yourself before taking the item to the recycling centre, it can be time-consuming and tricky. It’s certainly led to us procrastinating about getting rid of defunct machines in the past. While some councils allow you to dispose of smaller electrical items in a carrier bag at the kerbside, bigger items will need to be professionally collected or delivered. And if you’re running a company, you can’t dispose of business waste with household waste. Hiring someone to take the e-waste off your hands can save time and money.
Safely rehoming equipment
As an alternative to recycling at your local Household and Recycling Centre, reusing the equipment is a much eco-friendlier solution. Most businesses renew technology long before the life of the equipment is up, and the need for the latest spec means perfectly serviceable items are discarded.
Hiring a company to recycle your computers by donating them to charities or putting them up for sale is the most environmentally sound solution, and can put some money back in your bank account. However, this is where it is important to hire someone who can ensure that piece of tech is wiped clean of any confidential information.
What about you. How do you dispose of your old computers and tablets?
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